Play! by Sephora October Box

It’s always a treat to come home and see the black-and-white striped Play! by Sephora box on my doorstep. Unlike other beauty boxes, the Play! by Sephora one does not disappoint. For $10 a month, you get five luxury samples plus a perfume sample, all enclosed in a cute little drawstring bag.

Play! by Sephora October Box Theme

Each box (or bag, if you’re being literal like my seven year-old) has a theme that all products are curated around. This month’s theme is “Public Display of Complexion”, which I was pretty excited about. I’m constantly on the lookout for products that will make me look not so damn tired, and anything that claims to brighten your skin will immediately get added to my cart.

Inside the Play! by Sephora October Box

From left to right:

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Primer: I have always been a fan of Urban Decay (hello, Naked Palette!). This primer claims to be like the “Blur” filter on Instagram, covering up and pores or imperfections and creating an even surface for foundation. I loved the product as it didn’t feel greasy like other primers and it lived up to it’s claims. Retail price is a reasonable $34 for a full-sized bottle.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Scrub: I have very sensitive skin so I was too scared to even try this product out! I have purchased other things from the Dr. Brandt line and really liked them, but this looks like it would make my rosacea flare up in a hot second. Retails for $58 for a full-sized bottle.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Setting Mist: Tarte is another personal favorite but I haven’t really loved this Rainforest of the Sea line. However, this is a multi-tasking product, which is always a bonus of busy working moms. It can prime, set, hydrate and refresh all with a few spritzes. Retail price is $25 for a full-sized bottle.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster: Another Make Up For Every sample. This one is a serum that hydrates and preps skin for makeup. It was light and non-greasy, but I can’t really say too much else about it. Retails for $41 for full-sized bottle.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation: I have not tried the Make Up For Ever brand, but it is a cult-favorite amongst makeup insiders. The foundation was full coverage, which I prefer in the winter, and lasted a long time. For $43 a bottle, I would hope for that to be the case.

Tory Burch Bel Azur Sample: I can be picky with perfume and usually forget to put it on, but damn, this one may make me change my mind. According to the website (as I would never be able to identify these notes on my own), it has notes of citrus, fruit, mandarin and tuberose. I barely know what any of those things are; all I can tell you is when mixed together, they smell wonderful: crisp, clean and fresh. The only drawback is it being Tory Burch which means it retails for about a $100 bottle.

I am a budget conscious shopper but not afraid to throw down on a few key investment pieces. I used to love shopping at the mall but with three children and most brands generous online return policies, I much prefer shopping from my couch. With a glass of wine.
For work, I tend to look for classic pieces with interesting details – I’ve never met an exposed zipper I didn’t like. For the weekends, I look for easy pieces that allow me to move and chase after three crazy kids.
I believe that jewelry can totally change an outfit. I do not own or want an iron. I am still searching for the perfect handbag.